Engineering · Steam — Water Level
Loss of water level in a fired boiler (low-water condition) is dangerous primarily because:
- AThe fuel will not burn
- BThe feed pump will overspeed
- CHeating surfaces can overheat and fail, and restoring water onto hot metal risks a violent steam release✓ Correct
- DThe stack temperature drops
Explanation
If water drops below the heating surfaces, the metal overheats and may rupture. Feeding cold water onto overheated tubes/drum can flash to steam violently. Low-water fuel cutoffs and reliable level indication are required safeguards.
Authority: Modern Marine Engineer's Manual; 46 CFR Subchapter F
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